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The Review of Religions: May 2010, Vol.105, No.

2 Editorial – Religious Violence in Nigeria


(Fareed Ahmad, UK and Khullat Munir, Germany)

6 The Hadith and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(saw)


His Traditions and Practice compared
(Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as), the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi)

16 7th Annual Peace Symposium


Keynote address
(Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba), Khalifatul Masih V, Head of the Worldwide
Ahmadiyya Muslim community)

30 The Last Divine Message For Mankind


Is the Qur’an still relevant 1400 years on?
(Hadhrat Malik Ghulam Farid(ra))

41 Guide Posts
Glimpses into various religious and spiritual topics in different scriptures
(Bashir Ahmad Orchard)

47 Evolution of Faith
A philosophical discourse on the essence of religion
(Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan(ra))

58 In Brief: The Golden Temple


One of the holiest shrines for Sikhs
(Fauzia Bajwa, Canada)

61 Letters to the Editor


63 Calendar of Religious Events and Festivals – May 2010

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ISSN No: 0034-6721
Editorial

Religious Violence in Nigeria


By Fareed Ahmad, UK and Khullat Munir, Germany

Current events have seen no Unfortunately, the Muslim and


shortage of religiously affiliated Christian people in villages near
headlines: “Muslim headscarves the city of Jos, Nigeria have not
banned in France,” “China been spared the ugly outcomes of
attempts to annihilate Buddhism,” this trend.
and more recently, “Religious riots
kill hundreds in Nigeria.” Clearly In sporadic violence since 1994,
the media has a penchant for villages near Jos have existed in a
categorising problems under the climate of ethnic, social, and
title of religion. However, rarely is religious tension leaving more
a religious conflict due solely to than 2,000 dead. The villages in
differences in religion. Often a the area are divided into Muslim
social, economic or political and Christian camps, with each
problem is hidden under the guise party vying for majority power in
of religion. Such is the case in Jos, the region. The first riot in 1994
where the Archbishop Benjamin was followed by a five-day killing
Kwashi stated, spree in 2001, after which
violence erupted again in 2008.
“What seems to be a recurring Interestingly enough, the savagery
decimal is that over time, and bloodshed has usually
those who have in the past occurred near the time of an
used violence to settle election. Now, in 2010, we are
political issues, economic witnessing brutality in direct
issues, social matters, relation to that of two years prior,
intertribal disagreements, or where a man who had returned to
any issue for that matter, now build his ravaged home was said to
continue to use that same path be attacked, sparking the violence
of violence and cover it up anew. In the two months, the
with religion.”1 Christian tribes attacked the

2 The Review of Religions – May 2010


Editorial

Muslim villages, and the Muslim expense of basic human rights.


tribes retaliated by causing
bloodshed throughout mainly In some cases, as in Jos, this
Christian villages. surfaces in violent attacks whereas
in others actions are more subtle
Despite the relative remoteness of and unseen, yet both are equally
Jos, the horrific details of the devastating for those on the
bloodshed are readily available receiving end. This use, or more
through the internet and make accurately misuse, of religion as a
grim reading. Indeed, these platform to score political points is
reports, especially those written also an aspect noticeable in
with the support of eye witnesses, western politics. In Europe, the
open one’s eyes to the despair of moves to ban the burqa and
the mother who has lost her four- minarets have fed off religious
day-old baby to the point of a differences that have been used to
machete, and to the anger of a polarise public opinion resulting in
people who have lost so many of discrimination against religious
their own that they cannot tolerate groups – with the main target
the presence of a journalist from a being Islam at present.
faith that is “against” their own.
Such discrimination will
This disguising of prevailing inevitably lead to greater
social, economic and political frustration that will inevitably
problems under the banner of result in greater divisions in
religion is, however, not the society. In this respect Jos
preserve of Jos or even Nigeria, provides a glimpse of what
but is apparent the world over. happens when such frustrations
Whether it is the extremists of are exploited and eventually spill
Pakistan, Indonesia or Egypt the over into the streets. A far better
underlying motive of all who course of action would be to
attack and usurp the rights of other engage the religious leadership
faiths is normally a greater and for the leadership to engage its
struggle for dominance and the own following in dialogue so that
assertion of control – often at the the religion and religious

The Review of Religions – May 2010 3


Editorial

institutions can play the positive barrier to peace. Rather, it can and
role for the social and common should be a catalyst, with a clear
good. All religions have a reminder that for all our actions
common message of peace, so we are ultimately accountable to
why not capitalise on that noble God. We pray that mankind can
foundation to build harmonious benefit from the wisdom of the
and cohesive societies? The Qur’anic instruction to vie with
struggle for peace was every each other in good works, for it
prophet’s mission and there are certainly seems to be a powerful
many historical examples from antidote to the malaise engulfing
India to Andalusia (Spain) that Jos and many other regions in the
show that where people use their world today.
religious principles to advance the
cause of individual and collective
peace, societies have flourished. It
is relevant to note that on religious Reference
and social peace the Holy Qur’an 1. Open letter dated 21 January
states: 2010,
http://www.anglicandioceseofj
“... For each of you We os.org/UPDATE17.html Last
prescribed a clear spiritual accessed, 4 April 2010
Law and a manifest way in
secular matters. And if Allah
had enforced His will, He
would have made you all one
people, but He wishes to try
you by that which He has
given you. Vie, then, with one
another in good works. To
Allah shall you all return;
then will He inform you of
that wherein you differed.”
(Ch.5:V.49)
Thus religious difference is not a

4 The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Review of Religions

NOTE FOR THE REVIEW OF RELIGIONS


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as the first verse of each Chapter. In some non-standard texts, this is not counted.
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‘peace be upon him’ derived from ‘Alaihis salatu wassalam’ which are words that a
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The Review of Religions – May 2010 5


THE ESSENCE OF ISLAM

Hadith and Sunnah


of the
Holy Prophet
(Peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him)

This series sets out, in the words of the Promised


Messiah, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as), a
summary of some outstanding topics. The original
compilation, in Urdu, from which these extracts have
been translated into English, was collated with great
care and diligence by Syed Daud Ahmad Sahib(ru). The
English rendering is by the late Sir Muhammad
Zafrulla Khan(ra), and is quoted from The Essence of
Islam, Volume 2. All references throughout, unless
otherwise specifically mentioned, are from the Holy
Qur’an.
The Essence of Islam – Hadith and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(saw)

To hold fast to Islamic injunc- in practice with their conduct so


tions, the Muslims have three that no doubt should remain in the
things. minds of people with regard to the
Divine Word. They act upon it and
Sources of Islamic Guidance urge others to do the same.
First, the Holy Qur’an, which is
the Book of God more than which The third source of guidance is
we have no conclusive and certain Hadith, by which we mean those
statement. It is the Word of God Traditions which were compiled
and is free from all doubt and from the statements of diverse
speculation. narrators a century and a half after
the Holy Prophet(saw).
Secondly, the practice of the Holy
Prophet(saw), which is called the The distinction between Sunnah
Sunnah. Here we are not speaking and Hadith is that Sunnah is a
in terms of the terminology used continuous practice which was
by the Ahl-e-Hadith [People of started by the Holy Prophet(saw). It
Hadith]. We do not regard Hadith is only next to the Holy Qur’an in
and Sunnah as one and the same its certainty. As the Holy
thing, as is done by traditional Prophet(saw) was commissioned for
scholars of Hadith. They are the propagation of the Qur’an, he
distinct, Hadith is one thing and was also commissioned for
Sunnah is another. By Sunnah we establishing the Sunnah. As the
mean the practice of the Holy Holy Qur’an is certain so is the
Prophet(saw), to which he adhered continuous Sunnah which he
and which appeared along with the practised. Both these tasks were
Holy Qur’an and will accompany performed by the Holy Prophet(saw)
it. In other words, the Holy Qur’an as his duty. For instance, when the
is the Word of God Almighty and Prayer services were made
the Sunnah is the practice of the obligatory, the Holy Prophet(saw)
Holy Prophet(saw). It has ever been illustrated by his action how many
the way of God that the Prophets rak’as [prescribed positions taken
bring the Word of God for the by Muslims during formal Prayer
guidance of people and illustrate it each standing up and bowing down

The Review of Religions – May 2010 7


The Essence of Islam – Hadith and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(saw)

etc. making up one ‘Raka’a’] were of doubtful veracity. As all this


to be performed in each Prayer activity was ex post factum, (after
service. In the same way, he the fact) it was no more than
illustrated the performance of the conjecture. Yet, it would be most
Pilgrimage. He thus established unfair to say that all Ahadith are
thousands of his Companions on vain and useless and false. So
his practice. The practical much care was taken in compiling
illustration which has been the Ahadith, and such research and
continuous among the Muslims is criticism were employed in the
the Sunnah. On the other hand, the task, that they cannot be matched
Holy Prophet(saw) did not have the in any other religion.
Hadith recorded in his presence
nor did he make any arrangement The Jews also had compilations of
for its compilation. Hadhrat Abu narrative record and Jesus(as) was
Bakr(ra) had collected some Ahadith opposed by that sect of the Jews
and then had them burnt out of who followed the narrative record,
greater caution as he himself had but it is not proved that the Jewish
not heard them from the Holy compilers of narrative record had
Prophet(saw) and did not know their exercised that care in compiling
reality. When the time of the their collections as the Muslim
Companions of the Holy compilers of Hadith did. Neverthe-
Prophet (saw) had passed some of less, it would be a mistake to
their successors thought of imagine that until the Ahadith were
compiling the Ahadith and they compiled, the Muslims were
were compiled. There is no doubt unaware of the details of Prayer
that most of the compilers of services or did not know the proper
Hadith were very pious and way of performing the pilgrimage.
righteous. They tested the accuracy The practical illustrations of the
of Ahadith as far as it was possible Sunnah had taught them all the
and tried to steer clear of those limits and obligations laid down by
which, in their opinion, were Islam. It is true, therefore, that
manufactured. They rejected every even if the Ahadith, which were
Hadith any narrator of which was collected after a long time, had not

8 The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Essence of Islam – Hadith and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(saw)

Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as)


The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community
In 1891, he claimed on the basis of Divine revelation,
that he was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi whose
advent had been foretold by Muhammad, the Holy
Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be
upon him) and by the scriptures of other faiths.

His claim constitutes the basis of the beliefs of the


Ahmadiyya Muslim community.

been compiled this would not have Ahadith as vain and false as is the
affected the real teaching of Islam belief of Maulawi ‘Abdullah
for the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah Chakralvi. The Qur’an and
had fulfilled this need. The Sunnah should judge the Ahadith
Ahadith only added to that light and those that are not opposed to
and Islam became light upon light them should by all means be
and the Ahadith became accepted. This is the straight path
testimonies for the Qur’an and and blessed are those who follow
Sunnah. Of the many sects that it. Most unfortunate and foolish is
subsequently appeared in Islam, the person who rejects the Ahadith
the true one derived great benefit altogether without regard to the
from the true Ahadith. test that we have proposed.

The correct way, therefore, is It should be the duty of the


neither to treat the Ahadith as members of our Community that a
having greater authority than the Hadith which is not opposed to the
Qur’an, as do the Ahl-e-Hadith of Qur’an and Sunnah, should be
this age, and not to prefer the accepted and followed, however
statements in the Ahadith which weak might be its authority, and it
are contradictory of the Qur’an to should be preferred to the rules
the Qur’an itself; nor to regard the framed by jurists.

The Review of Religions – May 2010 9


The Essence of Islam – Hadith and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(saw)

[Review on the debate between Muslim. We accept its authority


Batalwi and Chakralvi, Ruhani subject to the condition that it
Khaza’in, Vol.19, pp.209-212] should not be opposed to the Holy
Qur’an and Sahih Bukhari. Next to
Authoritative Books them are the compilations of
The books that we accept and Tirmidhi, Ibn-e-Majah, Muattah of
believe in and consider Imam Malik, Nassa’i, Abu Da’ud
trustworthy are the following: and Dar Qutni, which we regard as
authoritative so long as they are
First is the Holy Qur’an. It should, not opposed to the Holy Qur’an
however, be remembered that only and Bukhari and Muslim. These
that interpretation of a verse of the are our religious books and these
Qur’an is correct and trustworthy are the conditions under which we
which is testified to by other verses accept them…Every critic must
of the Qur’an, inasmuch as some confine himself to these books and
verses of the Qur’an interpret other these conditions.
verses. If certainty of meaning [Arya Dharam, Ruhani Khaza’in,
should not be guaranteed by other Vol.10, pp.86-87]
verses of the Qur’an, then the
meaning should be confirmed by Book of Allah to be Preferred to
some true and reliable Hadith. All
According to us, the interpretation Regarding the Book and Sunnah
based merely on one’s opinion is as authorities, I believe that the
not permissible. Everyone who Book of Allah is to be preferred
raises an objection against the above all others. If the purport of a
Holy Qur’an should keep this rule Hadith is not opposed to the Book
in mind. of Allah, it would be accepted as
authoritative, but we will not
Of the other books that are accept an interpretation of a
accepted by us the Sahih of Hadith which is opposed to the
Bukhari ranks as the first. All its clear text of the Holy Qur’an. So
Ahadith which are not opposed to far as possible, we shall try to
the Holy Qur’an are in our view interpret a Hadith so that it should
authoritative. Next comes Sahih be in accord with the clear text of

10 The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Essence of Islam – Hadith and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(saw)

the Book of Allah, but if we come with the Holy Qur’an, but if this is
across a Hadith which is opposed not possible and cannot by any
to the text of the Holy Qur’an, and means be achieved, he should
it cannot be interpreted in any regard the Hadith as spurious. This
other way, we would reject it as is better for us. We should seek an
spurious, inasmuch as God, the interpretation of a Hadith which is
Glorious, has said: In what not opposed to the Holy Qur’an,
discourse apart from Allah and but if this should not be possible it
His commandments will they would be heresy and disbelief that
believe? (Ch.45:V.7) we should give up the Qur’an for
the sake of Ahadith, which have
This means that if the Holy Qur’an been conveyed to us by human
is conclusive and positive about a hands and with regard to which it
matter and its meaning is clear, a is not only a possibility, but a
believer should not accept a Hadith certainty, that they have got mixed
which is clearly opposed to it. To up with human statements.
the same effect is the verse: In [Al-Haq, Mubahasa Ludhiana,
what thing will they believe Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol.4, p.21)
thereafter? (Ch.7:V186).
According to these verses a Authenticity of Ahadith
believer must accept the Book of The Ahadith are divided into two
Allah without condition and parts. One part is that which is
should accept a Hadith completely protected by practice,
conditionally. This is my stand. that is to say such Ahadith as are
[Al-Haq, Mubahasa Ludhiana, strengthened and are carrying the
Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol.4, pp.11-12) degree of certainty by the firm and
strong and certain method of
A person who is bestowed the practice, and which are
understanding of the Qur’an by comprehensive of all religious
Divine grace, and who finds that a needs and worship and covenants
Hadith is opposed to a verse of the and dealings and the
Qur’an, should, out of respect, so commandments of the law. Such
far as it is possible, so interpret the Ahadith are doubtless certain and
Hadith as to bring it into accord are fully proved. The strength of

The Review of Religions – May 2010 11


The Essence of Islam – Hadith and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(saw)

these Ahadith is not derived from religion; for if it were true that
the art of compilation of Hadith, with the exception of the Holy
nor from their inherent force, nor Qur’an all other sources are false,
from the reliability of and imposture, conjectures and
confidence in their narrators, but is imagination, then little would be
bestowed by the blessings of left of Islam for all the details of
practice. I accept these Ahadith so our faith have come down to us
far as they are supported by through Ahadith. Our Prayer
practice up to a certain degree of services have been made
certainty. But the other portions of obligatory by the Holy Qur’an, but
Ahadith which are not related to it is nowhere laid down in the
practice and are accepted on the Qur’an that the Dawn Prayer
basis of the truthfulness of their (Fajr) comprises two rak’as of
narrators are not held by me as Fard and two rak’as of Sunnah,
being beyond the status of and the Noon Prayer (Zuhr)
conjecture. At the most they can be comprises four rak’as of Fard
employed as useful conjecture (Obligatory Prayers) and four and
inasmuch as the manner in which then two rak’as of Sunnah, and the
they have been compiled is not Sunset Prayer (Maghrib)
certain and conclusive, but leaves comprises three rak’as of Fard
room for perversion. and the Evening Prayer (‘Isha)
[Al-Haq, Mubahasa Ludhiana, comprises four rak’as of Fard. In
Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 4, p.35] the same way, we have to depend
upon Ahadith to discover the
An objector hears from someone details of Zakat. There are
that the Ahadith are not reliable thousands of details relating to
and he immediately concludes worship and dealings and
therefrom that with the exception covenants which are derived from
of the Holy Qur’an all other the same source. Besides, the
authorities in Islam are baseless principal source of Islamic history
and doubtful and fall far short of is Ahadith. If Ahadith are not to be
certainty and conclusiveness. This relied upon you cannot take it as
is a great mistake, the first result of certain that Abu Bakr and ‘Umar
which is to destroy faith and and ‘Uthman and ‘Ali (may Allah

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The Essence of Islam – Hadith and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(saw)

be pleased with them) were the nothing?


Companions of the Holy
Prophet(saw), who became his Were that so, it would not be
successors in that order and died in possible for the Muslims to relate
that order. If Ahadith are not to be any portion of the biography of the
relied upon, we cannot be certain Holy Prophet(saw). It should be
about the existence of these great observed that the events of the life
personalities and it might be of our lord and master, what kind
possible that all these names are of life he led in Makkah before his
fictitious and that there was no advent, and in what year he called
Abu Bakr(ra), no ‘Umar(ra), no people to his Prophethood, and in
‘Uthman(ra) and no ‘Ali(ra)…In the what order people embraced Islam,
same way, we shall deny that the and how were they persecuted by
name of the father of the Holy the disbelievers in the ten Makkan
Prophet(saw) was ‘Abdullah, and the years, and how the wars began, and
name of his mother was Aminah, in which of them the Holy
and the name of his grandfather Prophet(saw) took part himself, and
was ‘Abd-ul-Muttalib, and one of to what regions the rule of Islam
his wives was named Khadijah had extended in his lifetime, and
and another ‘A’ishah, and another whether he addressed letters to the
Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with rulers of the time, inviting them to
them) and that the name of his Islam, and if he did so, what was
foster-mother was Halimah, and their response, and after his death
that he used to withdraw to the what were the victories achieved
cave Hira’ for worship and that during the time of Hadhrat Abu
some of his Companions migrated Bakr(ra), and what difficulties he
to Abyssinia, and that for ten years had to contend with, and what
after his advent, the Holy countries were conquered in the
Prophet(saw) resided in Makkah and time of Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra), all these
that thereafter there were all those matters are known through Ahadith
battles that are not even mentioned and the statements of the Com-
in the Qur’an, simply because panions of the Holy Prophet(saw). If
these facts are established by the Ahadith amount to nothing, it
Ahadith and the Ahadith amount to would not only be difficult but

The Review of Religions – May 2010 13


The Essence of Islam – Hadith and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(saw)

would be impossible to discover of the Ahadith, which through


the events of those times and in practice had become a
such a case the opponents of Islam characteristic of the different
would be free to invent whatever groups of Muslims, would amount
they like concerning the events of to insanity. For instance, if anyone
the life of the Holy Prophet(saw) and were to contend that the number of
of the lives of his Companions, rak’as performed by the Muslims
(may Allah be pleased with them). in the five daily services is a
We would thus afford to the doubtful matter, inasmuch as there
enemies of Islam a great is no verse in the Qur’an
opportunity of making baseless prescribing two rak’as for the
attacks against Islam and we would dawn prayer (Fajr) and two for the
have to confess that all the events Friday prayer (Jum’ah) and two
related in the Ahadith are baseless each for the two ‘Eid services and
and imaginary, so much so, that that most of the Ahadith are
even the names of the Companions unreliable, would such a one be in
of the Holy Prophet(saw) are not the right? If such an opinion were
known for certain. To suppose that accepted about the Ahadith, we
we cannot derive any certain and would first have to forego the
conclusive truth from the Ahadith Prayer services, for the Qur’an has
would amount to destroying a great not prescribed anywhere the
portion of Islam with our own method of performance of Prayer
hands. services and they are performed
only on the basis of the accuracy of
The true and correct position is that Ahadith…
we must accept whatever is stated
in the Ahadith unless it should be This is a serious mistake which has
opposed to the Qur’an in clear drawn the followers of nature in
terms. It is admitted that it is this age far away from Islam. They
natural for man to tell the truth and imagine that all Islamic practices
that recourse is had to falsehood and ceremonial and worship and
under some compulsion, for biographies and history in
falsehood is unnatural. To doubt connection with which reference is
the conclusiveness and correctness made to Ahadith, are established

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The Essence of Islam – Hadith and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(saw)

only on the basis of a few Ahadith. lack certainty and would deserve
This is a clear error. The practice whatever condemnation might be
which the Holy Prophet(saw) had directed at it. Such Ahadith have
established with his own hands, no great relationship with faith in
had become so common among the history of Islam. If you look
millions of people that even if with care you will find that the
there had been no trace of the Imams of Ahadith have very
compilers of Ahadith, no harm seldom mentioned Ahadith no
would have been done. Everyone trace of which is found in practice.
has to admit that the Holy Teacher It is, therefore, not true, as some
and Prophet(saw) had not so ignorant ones imagine, that the
confined his teaching as to train world has learnt of the hundreds of
only a few people in it and to leave matters relating to the faith, even
all others unaware of it. Had that fasting and Prayer services, only
been so, Islam would have been so from the Ahadith compiled by
corrupted that it could not have Bukhari and Muslim and others.
been reformed through the efforts Were the Muslims without faith for
of any compiler of Hadith. The a century and a half? Did they not
Imams of Ahadith have compiled perform the Prayer services? Did
thousands of Ahadith relating to they not pay Zakat? Did they not
religious instruction, yet there is no perform the Pilgrimage? Were they
Hadith which was not being acted unaware of the Islamic doctrines
upon before its being recorded and that are mentioned in the Ahadith?
which was not known to the world. Certainly not.
If there is any teaching, or event, [Shahadat-ul-Qur’an, Ruhani
or doctrine the foundation of Khaza’in, Vol.6, pp.298-303]
which has only been laid by the
Imams of Hadith on the basis of
some report and no sign of it is
discoverable in practice, nor is it
mentioned in the Holy Qur’an,
then without doubt such a report
which became known a century
and a half later, would absolutely

The Review of Religions – May 2010 15


Keynote Address at the
7th Annual Peace Symposium
Peace guarantees the tranquility of hearts but the growing distance
away from God is causing restlessness. The theme of this year’s
Symposium was ‘Loyalty, Freedom and Peace’.

Keynote address delivered by His Holiness, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor


Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya
Muslim community (may Allah strengthen his hand) at the
Ahmadiyya Muslim community’s Peace Symposium held at the Baitul
Futuh Mosque on 20th March 2010. The Symposium was also
addressed by Rafiq Hayat, National President of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Association UK, Siobhain McDonagh (MP Mitcham &
Morden), Stephen Hammond (MP Wimbledon), Laura Moffat (MP
Crawley), Justine Greening (MP Putney), Andrew Pelling (MP
Central Croydon), Dominic Grieve (Shadow Justice Secretary), Tom
Cox (former MP for Tooting), Martin Linton (MP Battersea), Tom
Brake (MP Carshalton) and Lord Eric Avebury who received the
inaugural Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Prize.

16 The Review of Religions – May 2010


Keynote Address at the 7th Annual Peace Symposium

(I bear witness that there is persons with a desire for achieving


none worthy of worship except a high objective, an objective that
Allah; He is One and has no is the burning desire of every
partner. And I bear witness sincere person in this day and age.
that Muhammad is His Servant And so today, we have gathered
and Messenger. After this, I here to talk about and listen to that
seek refuge with Allah from word that can bring about
Satan, the rejected. In the tranquillity and contentment
Name of Allah, the Gracious, within our heart, and that word is
the Merciful) ‘peace’!

This is but one word, yet it


All the distinguished guests guarantees the tranquillity of one’s
gathered here tonight, Assalamu heart; it is the guarantor of the
‘Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa tranquillity of our home; it assures
Barakatuhu – peace and blessings the betterment and welfare of
of Allah be upon you all. society; and it guarantees the
prosperity of our nation. So, when
After another year, a lovely this word confers so many benefits
evening has once again come then why should we not find it
when our dear friends belonging to attractive? Why should it not be
different faiths and countries, but the burning desire of the heart of
who are mostly British, have every good person?
gathered here because they have a
connection with the members of To achieve anything, you must
our community. work hard for it. You have to make
sacrifices. The higher the
Some are old acquaintances, of objective, the higher is the
course, and others are new. The sacrifice required.
fact that people of different
countries, religions and cultures It is necessary that a code of
have come together and spared us conduct be established in which a
their valuable time proves that person has to sacrifice his or her
they are all noble and decent emotions and respect the feelings

The Review of Religions – May 2010 17


Keynote Address at the 7th Annual Peace Symposium

and sentiments of others. It is tries to prove its supremacy over


necessary that a person should another, and in the name of aid a
stand on his own two feet and superior power tries to take hold of
safeguard himself from envying the resources of another country.
the wealth of others and it is
necessary that one should help the When this golden principle is
poor and yet be happy to live forgotten – of choosing for your
within one’s means. In short, if brother what you choose for
you desire to establish peace at yourself – then these and many
any level, then it is essential that other similar factors blow peace
high moral values are exhibited, into pieces.
and guidelines need to be
established for this. It is extremely difficult to live up
to this golden principle. If we
The Holy Prophet of Islam, peace reflect upon these major factors
and blessings of Allah be upon that I have spoken about that are
him, has taught us a golden required to establish peace, then
principle, which is to choose for disregarding self-centred persons
your brothers what you choose for who only think of themselves,
yourself, because the lack of peace even those who truly long for
is caused by an anxiety of the peace do not follow this principle
heart. to the standard required. And that
standard, of course, is that what
And these anxieties are borne you choose for your brother you
whenever deprivation is felt; when choose for yourself.
one feels oppressed; when one
feels inferior and feels that there is There are many people who want
no hope for justice; when the gap to create an atmosphere of love,
between the rich and poor widens; affection and brotherhood, yet
when one feels that there is a lack how many people are actually
of equal opportunities for willing to sacrifice their own
progress; when there are wealth so that the situation should
interferences in a person’s faith by improve and restlessness should
the powerful; and, when a country end? At an individual level there

18 The Review of Religions – May 2010


Keynote Address at the 7th Annual Peace Symposium

“IF WE LOOK AT THE WORLD TODAY, THE


MAJORITY ARE VICTIMS OF DEPRIVATION,
CRUELTY AND INJUSTICE. MANY POWERS ARE
CRUEL AND UNKIND TO THEIR OWN PEOPLE,
WHETHER THE CRUELTY IS IN THE NAME OF
RELIGION OR THE STATE ITSELF. AND WESTERN
GOVERNMENTS, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ARE
INVOLVED IN THIS OPPRESSION.”

The Review of Religions – May 2010 19


Keynote Address at the 7th Annual Peace Symposium

might be a few exceptions, here A larger amount is spent helping


and there, where perhaps many the rebels or the armies of the
people give a petty sum of charity, governments to purchase arms so
but it is an insignificant sacrifice that the so-called leaders can
and they are barely willing to retain control. Ethiopia is
forsake their emotions. When a incapable of manufacturing
large chunk of society and many weapons. So the weapons must be
countries become the victims of reaching them from powerful
deprivation and cruelty, and nations, or from particular factions
become restless due to injustice, in wealthy countries who have cast
then hatred grows and such small their net like the Mafia.
sacrifices are rendered useless.
Why have the powerful countries
If we look at the world today, the not tried to find a solution to this
majority are victims of depri- deprivation, cruelty and injustice
vation, cruelty and injustice. Many in the world? Merely issuing a
powers are cruel and unkind to statement or summoning a
their own people, whether the meeting of a committee of the
cruelty is in the name of religion United Nations and expressing
or the State itself. And Western disapproval is not enough.
governments, directly or indi-
rectly, are involved in this Similarly, it is wholly inadequate
oppression. for the powerful countries to
express sympathy with the
For example, will the hunger and Palestinians on TV. Why can an
famine in Ethiopia ever allow effort not be made to establish
peace to be established in the peace in the same way as in Iraq
country? On TV we see that very and Afghanistan? I am not saying
limited aid is being given to that that what has occurred in Iraq and
country, but in this famine-ridden Afghanistan is right or wrong, but
and economically shattered nation, am merely pointing out that the
such aid is hardly being used to more powerful countries took
feed the bellies of the starving action according to their own
people. perception to establish peace. A

20 The Review of Religions – May 2010


Keynote Address at the 7th Annual Peace Symposium

“A Public Inquiry about the Iraq War is taking place


at present in the UK and many of the government
officials involved are continuing to maintain that the
war was justified, in spite of the fact that the vast
majority of the UK public and its politicians consider
the action to have been unjustified.”

Public Inquiry about the Iraq War whereby innocent children,


is taking place at present in the women, elders and the unarmed
UK and many of the government are bombarded indiscriminately;
officials involved are continuing an entire city is reduced to rubble.
to maintain that the war was The Western media raised a great
justified, in spite of the fact that outcry, no doubt, and although the
the vast majority of the UK public super-powers issued statements,
and its politicians consider the no concrete steps were taken to
action to have been unjustified. stop Israel from continuing this
cruelty.
Now the people of Iraq and
Afghanistan are reacting in their Can those innocent children who
own way to these acts in response. saw their homes being destroyed;
It was a presumption that if action who saw their brothers and sisters
was not taken against those in being killed without any reason;
power, then there would be a who saw their helpless parents
grave threat to world peace, and targeted whilst pleading for their
so action was taken to preserve lives; can those innocent children
the rights of the people; but, on ever erase those horrific scenes
the other hand, was similar effort from their memories? Their inner
not required to protect the frustration will make them
Palestinians from external anxious, and when this anxiety is
attacks? Even if we suppose that manifested, it will result in further
the Palestinians initiated the war, disorder and that will lead to a
such a disproportionate punish- reaction to check it. And as is
ment could never be justified, evident from the history of

The Review of Religions – May 2010 21


Keynote Address at the 7th Annual Peace Symposium

Palestine, such a reaction will, of acting cruelly so that he can be


course, lead to further cruelty on saved from the Wrath of God.
them.
It is necessary, therefore, to take
In today’s world, when an event practical steps to stop cruelty,
occurs in one place, it is broadcast regardless of whether it is the
instantaneously throughout the mighty or the weak that are
world. As a consequence of inflicting the cruelty. Peace will
witnessing images of such not be established merely by
cruelty, Muslims will, no doubt, adopting UN Resolutions;
develop hatred, and such hatred practical steps must be taken. It is
will continue to increase. Malice necessary to establish trust and
and grudges in people’s hearts build confidence and for this
will multiply. There is already absolute equality must prevail.
talk of this cruelty being repeated. Differences between the rich and
Let us see what steps these major developed and poor and
powers take to prevent this developing countries must be
happening. eliminated. All forms of veto
powers should be removed and the
The Holy Prophet, peace and finer points of justice need to be
blessings of Allah be upon him, identified. We need to be loyal to
has taught us that to develop our covenants, our obligations and
peace and to remove hatred from our status, and this loyalty can
your heart a person must help only occur when it is followed to
both the oppressor and the the letter and spirit of the law;
oppressed. Hearing this, his double standards should be
Companions said that they could eliminated. Indeed, the media has
understand the principle of also been calling for this.
helping the oppressed, but how
could they help the oppressor? The Holy Qur’an has taught us
The Holy Prophet, peace and how to fulfil the requirements of
blessings of Allah be upon him justice; it says that even if you
replied that you can help the have to testify against yourself or
oppressor by stopping him from your relative then you must do so.

22 The Review of Religions – May 2010


Keynote Address at the 7th Annual Peace Symposium

“The decision of not admitting one’s own error was


taken at that time when the United Nations was
formed and a provision for veto power was granted to
the five major powers. The fundamental requirement
for justice of even giving evidence against oneself was
denied. How can this institute establish justice? The
strange thing, as I mentioned before, is that they were
not loyal to their own principles.”

How many matters are there that The strange thing, as I mentioned
are presented in such an before, is that they were not loyal
institution that was constituted to their own principles.
after the Second World War so
that the world could be saved Loyalty is borne from feelings of
from the horrors of war in future, love and affection. At a personal
where the major powers accept level the feeling of love
criticism against themselves and strengthens the feelings of
where they admit their own loyalty. When a citizen loves his
mistakes? country then he exhibits
allegiance and makes sacrifices
The decision of not admitting for the sake of the nation.
one’s own error was taken at that
time when the United Nations If sentiments of love do not exist,
was formed and a provision for then the spirit of sacrifice cannot
veto power was granted to the be formed. Unless a person loves
five major powers. The another he can never have good
fundamental requirement for feelings in his heart towards him
justice of even giving evidence and he cannot faithfully fulfil the
against oneself was denied. How rights due to that person.
can this institute establish justice?

The Review of Religions – May 2010 23


Keynote Address at the 7th Annual Peace Symposium

In an age where the electronic Muslims and non-Muslims have


media has drawn us closer forgotten their fundamental
together, into what is called a teachings and have gone far away
global village, its benefit will only from God. This growing distance
be felt when mutual goodness from God and religion is
prevails. If, instead of good increasing the restlessness in the
feelings, hatred emerges, if hearts of people. And he said that
restlessness usurps heartfelt peace, he had come, therefore, to remove
then you must accept that this is such distance so that the rights of
not progress, but is something that God may be discharged and the
will take you towards horrific rights of God’s creation may also
destruction. be discharged with feelings of love
and sympathy. When these
Here, I wish to make something teachings are acted upon then we
very clear, and that is the will observe real peace; otherwise,
relationship of mutual love, agitation will once again bring
affection and loyalty between one about utter destruction in the
person and another cannot be world.
established until a relationship of
love, affection and loyalty with the With reference to peace, I would
Lord Who created us is developed. like to also say that turmoil and
Distress and anxiety exist restlessness has spread all over the
nowadays in a large part of the world and every possible way to
world’s population because the reduce it should be adopted.
world has forgotten its Creator. Instead of unnecessarily inter-
People have forgotten the fering in the affairs of others and
fundamental teachings of their erecting walls of hatred, we should
faith. In fact, a great number of look to knock them down. The
people even reject the existence of governments should not interfere
God. where rights are not being
violated. No laws should be
The Founder of the Ahmadiyya proscribed regarding those matters
Muslim community has also that do not endanger the peace of
taught us that the majority of the nation. Of course, where there

24 The Review of Religions – May 2010


Keynote Address at the 7th Annual Peace Symposium

together and the measures of


“Over the past few years distances have changed, and in
the hijab, or veil, has been every country people of different
made an issue in religions live side by side.
Europe... Therefore, it is necessary and it is
the need of the time that within our
...Whenever I have cosmopolitan societies, the bond
reflected on this matter, I of love and affection should be
have never been able to strengthened. Respect and honour
understand what the for one another should be
problem with the veil is inculcated. Allegiance to one’s
that it has become such a country should be infused amongst
threat to governments. Is the entire society, and most
it such a heinous crime to importantly, the love of God
wear a coat and cover should be instilled in the hearts of
one’s head and chin with the people.
a piece of cloth that an
entire Parliament should If these things are fostered then
sit to pass a law against they will guarantee harmony
it?” within each country, and
individual restlessness will be
replaced by peace.
is a threat to the peace of the
nation; where there is a likelihood Over the past few years the hijab,
of harming the prosperity and or veil, has been made an issue in
progress of the nation; where the Europe. In France, in particular, an
rights of citizens are unduly uproar has been created, and now
curtailed and where a person is they are seriously considering
made a symbol of hate due to his legislation that would partially ban
religion, there the Governments the hijab. Following on from
should interfere and legislate. France, politicians in other
European countries, and for their
As I said before, and as you are all own political motives, are issuing
aware, the world has come statements supporting a ban and

The Review of Religions – May 2010 25


Keynote Address at the 7th Annual Peace Symposium

this is becoming a means of Executive and Legislature who


injuring the sentiments of should not interfere with such
Muslims. matters. Should legislation be
passed against Christian and
Whenever I have reflected on this Jewish ladies who also adopt
matter, I have never been able to religious attire? If bans are
understand what the problem with imposed against the Muslims, then
the veil is that it has become such Muslim countries may impose
a threat to governments. Is it such restrictions on some forms of
a heinous crime to wear a coat and Western dress in response. This
cover one’s head and chin with a issue has the potential to snowball
piece of cloth that an entire and it will affect the peace of the
Parliament should sit to pass a law world.
against it? If it is prohibited for a
woman to wear a cloth on her By all means, if there is any
head, then why are men allowed to covering that hides the identity of
wear caps and berets on their a person and it is necessary to
heads? This means that tomorrow remove it to identify a person, then
a ban could also be proposed the governments or the authorities
against such caps. have the right to do so. But what a
travesty, that a woman may be
I saw a cartoon recently in a deprived from travelling simply
newspaper in which a lady because she is wearing the hijab;
wearing a veil was standing next or a human life may be deprived of
to a young man wearing a beret. care in a hospital and left in the
The young man was saying to the jaws of death because she was
woman, ‘no burqah’, and the wearing a veil.
woman was saying to the man, ‘no
beret’. Then, for example, an intelligent
girl – who ranks at the top of her
These issues thus have become a class, who is not just a Muslim,
source of sarcasm; however, there but an asset to the country in
are some sober-minded people in which she lives, is loyal to her
whose hands are the reins of the country in every possible way, so

26 The Review of Religions – May 2010


Keynote Address at the 7th Annual Peace Symposium

much so that the love of her a metre worth of cloth on her


country is ingrained within her head.
and she is willing to sacrifice all
her skills and abilities for the sake If this is a crime, then during the
of the progress of her country – winter all European ladies will
and if this girl is prevented from have to be deprived of their rights
carrying on her education only when they wrap their heads with
because she chose to observe scarves. Certainly, it is food for
hijab, not out of any compulsion, thought that whether it is such a
but due to her own free will; does crime to wear this one metre cloth,
this not render her bereft of her and whether wearing it renders a
rights as a citizen? Will not this woman worthy of being deprived
legislation that deprives her of of her basic human rights.
education be the means of
wasting a national talent? Is this a definition of modern
democratic governments that
This law has not yet been passed claim to safeguard the rights of its
in Germany, but due to the bye- people? Is this the way to bring
laws available to the admin- together people of different
istration of some schools, an nations? Is this the way to foster
Ahmadi Muslim girl whom I love and affection amongst
know, who is among the top- people? Most certainly, every just-
ranked students, is being deprived minded person will oppose this
of her education. And there are because these things will make the
many examples like this. walls of hatred ever higher and
destroy the peace of the world.
This national talent and the future
of the country is being denied just Currently, the minarets of
because a Muslim girl wants to mosques have also become a
serve her country and at the same major issue, in particular in
time wants to practise her religion Switzerland. I said recently at the
of her own volition and happi- 50th anniversary of one of our
ness. A girl is being deprived of mosques in Germany, that if we
this right merely because she has suppose for one second that

The Review of Religions – May 2010 27


Keynote Address at the 7th Annual Peace Symposium

conspiracies are being hatched in is only our mosque, the


mosques, then will bringing down Ahmadiyya Mosque, that has a
the minarets stop such high minaret, and so in newspapers
conspiracies? its picture is printed and it is
referred to as ‘a symbol of peace
Firstly, not every mosque can and security’. Certainly, not all
have such an objection raised politicians are alike; there are some
against it. I said in Germany with politicians who make it clear to
certainty, and I say it here as well, even their party leaders that they
that not a single allegation can be are not in favour of such religious
proved against Ahmadi mosques compulsion.
in any part of the world, that they
are spreading the message of These days the world is passing
hatred or rebellion. If you really through a financial crisis. It is
want to make such an allegation, said that the recession has ended,
and if you really want to make the that we have passed through the
allegation of destroying the worst and that now we are
peace, then wherever the emerging from it to recovery.
conspiracy can be found, remove
it from the map. Indeed, if you But the public is still affected;
become aware of any conspir- jobs are still being lost; the
acies being hatched in any purchasing power is still as
mosque or other place of worship, affected as it was before. These
then it is the responsibility of the are matters for governments and
government to take immediate major steps must be taken, rather
action. However, to make it a than making choices based on
general rule that Muslims always personal preferences.
hatch conspiracies in places of
worship will sow the seeds of Will a woman wearing or not
hatred. wearing a veil affect the economy
of the country or the world? Will
Politicians in some countries make the wearing or not wearing of a
such statements as a means of veil or having or not having a
cheap publicity. In Switzerland, it minaret affect the moral value of

28 The Review of Religions – May 2010


Keynote Address at the 7th Annual Peace Symposium

a country or will it lead to because upholding human rights


recognition of the Creator? Will is the guarantor of world peace.
the wearing or not wearing of a
veil or having or not having a Likewise there are a lot of other
minaret improve or harm the distinguished guests like Tom
peace of the world? Cox, who was also a guest
speaker and an old friend of the
If it does, then I will be the first to Community; Justine Greening,
accept it because Islam teaches our MP for Putney; Laura
that you should be willing to Moffatt, MP for Crawley;
sacrifice something small for the Stephen Hammond, MP for
greater good. But no! All these Wimbledon and Siobhain
actions are strengthening the McDonagh, MP for Mitcham and
foundations of hatred. Morden. May they continue to
work for the cause of developing
For God’s sake, in order to peace in society as they have
remove this hatred within your already spoken about it.
own circles, please act with
justice, act with equality, and It is my prayer that mankind
respect the feelings of others so understands the value of
that the peace can be restored, as humanity and fulfils the rights
has been said by so many guest owed to each other.
speakers, almost – not almost –
but all the guest speakers. Finally, I would like to once again
thank all of you, who have come
Amongst us tonight, Lord Eric here with good sentiments and
Avebury is present whom I gave graced this occasion with your
the Ahmadiyya Peace Award to presence and shown respect for
just now. I consider him to be fellow human beings.
extremely honourable because he
has always been a stalwart and at Thank you very much.
the forefront of upholding human
rights. May God enable him to
continue this work further,

The Review of Religions – May 2010 29


The Last Divine Message For
Mankind
Hadhrat Malik Ghulam Farid(ra)

Adapted from The Review of Religions, September 1926

The Qur’an is the last divine race. With an improvement in the


scripture for mankind. It is the state of humanity, the needs and
final revealed Book or the requirements of mankind undergo
guidance of humanity, and is a corresponding improvement.
intended for all peoples and all Hence it seems incompatible with
times. Its laws are of universal the ever-changing conditions of
and permanent character and they the world to lay down one
admit of no change or amend- immutable law for all time. Yet
ment. The Qur’an itself lays this is what Islam does, and the
claim, in no ambiguous terms, to objection to its pronouncement is
being the final and most perfect not so sound as it appears to be. If
code of revealed laws. “This day” it be proved that the Qur’an is the
runs the passage, “have I true Word of God, then it will
perfected for you your religion automatically be proved that it is
and completed My favour on you the final word of God, because it
and chosen for you Islam as claims to be the final word of
religion” (Ch.5:V.4). It may be God, and being the true word of
objected that this claim of the God should be true in all its
Holy Qur’an is inconsistent with claims. So the question really is
the progressive state of humanity, not whether the Holy Qur’an is
for mankind is subject to a rigid the final word of God, but
law of evolution. There is no whether it is the true word of God.
retrogression or even stagnation,
no going back or marking time in The Holy Qur’an sets forth
the onward march of the human various arguments to prove the

30 The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Last Divine Message For Mankind

truth of its claim to be the word of Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw),


God. The incomparable beauty of who is better known as the
its style and the unapproachable unlettered Prophet. Does not this
excellence of its diction, the fact prove beyond the shadow of a
sweetness and sublimity of its doubt that the Holy Qur’an was
language and its comprehensive not the creation of his own brain
conciseness are beyond the but the word of the Omniscient
collective efforts of all men to God revealed to him?
combine in a single book. The
Holy Qur’an is conscious of its Some prejudiced Christian writers
matchlessness in all conceivable who are largely ignorant of the
respects. “Say, if men and Jinn Arabic language find fault with
should combine together to bring the arrangement of the Qur’an
the like of this Qur’an, they could and even with its literature, but
not bring the like of it, though those who were the best judges of
some of them were the helpers of its literary merits, the Arab
others” (Ch.17:V.89) is a learned poets, the elegance and
challenge of the Holy Qur’an excellence of whose poetry is
unmet for 1300 years, and none generously acknowledged by the
has ever dared to produce a same writers who have indulged
parallel to even a chapter of it. in such a sweeping condemnation
of the Holy Book as a piece of
This, indeed, would have been a literature, bowed in reverence
great challenge even from the before this challenge of the Holy
mouth of the greatest savant of all Qur’an. Indeed Labid, one of the
times, but what enhances its greatest Arabic poets of all times,
greatness a hundredfold is the fact actually abjured the writing of
that it came from the mouth of a poetry, saying, “God has given me
person who was not educated in the Qur’an in exchange for it.”
any college, who did not receive Unlike Stobart, Muir, and others
even the rudiments of knowledge like them, who do not see any
in a school, and who could not coherence and consistency in its
even decipher a word or write his text, those who know the Arabic
own name. This person was the language are convinced that its

The Review of Religions – May 2010 31


The Last Divine Message For Mankind

ANOTHER ARGUMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE TRUTH OF THE


QUR’ANIC CLAIM TO BE THE TRUE WORD OF GOD IS EMBODIED
IN THE VERSE,“SURELY WE HAVE REVEALED THIS BOOK AND WE
WILL MOST SURELY BE ITS GUARDIAN” (CH.15:V.10). THIS IS ONE
OF THE MOST WONDERFUL PROPHECIES WHOSE FULFILMENT IS,
AND WILL EVER REMAIN, A STANDING TESTIMONY TO THE TRUTH
OF THE HOLY QUR’AN. THIRTEEN CENTURIES HAVE PASSED SINCE
THAT PROPHECY WAS MADE THAT THE QUR’AN SHOULD FOR ALL
TIME BE PRESERVED SAFE FROM EVERY ATTEMPT TO DESTROY IT
AND FROM EVERY KIND OF CORRUPTION.

every sentence is a gem well set in remain, a standing testimony to


its place, and every subject a pearl the truth of the Holy Qur’an.
exquisitely studded in its own Thirteen centuries have passed
setting. An incoherent and since that prophecy was made
inconsistent reading could not be that the Qur’an should for all time
a great creative and cohesive be preserved safe from every
power as, according to Mr. H. G. attempt to destroy it and from
Wells, the Holy Qur’an has every kind of corruption. This
proved to be, and could not have prophecy was made at a time
held the sincere devotion and when printing was not invented,
unaffected reverence of millions and when perhaps even paper was
of people for 1300 years. not used, and the prophecy was
made through the mouth of a
Another argument in support of person who, as we have said,
the truth of the Qur’anic claim to himself could neither read nor
be the true word of God is write, and among a people who
embodied in the verse, “Surely We were the most uncivilised and
have revealed this Book and We unlearned nation of their time. All
will most surely be its Guardian” languages, moreover, are subject
(Ch.15:V.10). This is one of the to constant change, yet the
most wonderful prophecies language of the Holy Qur’an is
whose fulfilment is, and will ever such that after the passage of

32 The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Last Divine Message For Mankind

1300 years, in spite of the divine hands would also have


changes that have come over the been limited. What greater proof
Arabic language, the Holy Qur’an can there be of the truth of the
is still understood and is above-mentioned prophecy than
understandable by all those who the fact that a hostile critic of
know the Arabic language. The Islam like William Muir has to
Holy Qur’an, indeed, is not only admit that “There is probably in
safe against corruption and the world no other book which
destruction, but it is safe from has remained for twelve centuries
becoming unintelligible by the with so pure a text?” Had he used
obsolescence of its language. It is the word “certainly” for
a special divine dispensation in “probably” he would have been
connection with the Holy Qur’an nearer the truth.
that during the last 13 centuries in
nearly every part of the world Another very outstanding argu-
there have been thousands of ment tending to prove the truth of
living people who knew the the Holy Qur’an are its
whole Qur’an by heart from prophecies in connection with the
beginning to end. If there were to total destruction and utter
come on this earth of ours a annihilation of the infidels and the
calamity to destroy every kind of consequent triumph of the cause
paper and means of printing, the of Islam. We see a man leading a
Qur’an would even then be safe retired and absolutely unknown
from destruction. This is because life suddenly proclaiming himself
of all the revealed books and to be the Messenger of God
religious scriptures, the Qur’an appointed for the reformation of
has in every age been committed corrupted humanity. He is
to memory by thousands of opposed, maltreated, persecuted,
Muslims. This is in itself a and excommunicated and a price
sufficient proof that the Qur’an is is put upon his head. Very few
the guide for all mankind for all people believe in his cause, and
times. Had its ministry been they are poor and helpless, sub-
limited, its protection from jected to the most inhuman and
destruction and corruption by relentless persecution, and are

The Review of Religions – May 2010 33


The Last Divine Message For Mankind

compelled to take refuge in are a victorious host.’ Soon shall


foreign lands. That man is left these hosts be routed, and they
with a handful of companions shall turn their backs. Aye, the
amidst a host of implacable hour is their promised time, and
enemies who are bent upon his the hour shall be most grievous
destruction, and who have every and bitter.” (Ch.54:Vs. 45-47).
means at their disposal to destroy “To Allah belongs all honour and
him. However, instead of being might and to His Apostle and to
afraid of the imminent destruction the believers, but the hypocrites
to which he and his handful of have no knowledge.” (Ch.63:V.9).
companions are always exposed “These are Allah’s party and most
he predicts his enemies’ surely Allah’s party shall
destruction and his own ultimate succeed.” (Ch.58:V.23).
success and triumph. Could the
Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw), Could any man situated as the
who was leading a perilous life Holy Prophet Muhammad(ra) make
for more than 13 years, whose such prophecies, and had he had
every other thought naturally the audacity to do so, was it in his
would have been of meeting a power to ensure that these
violent death at the hands of his prophecies should be fulfilled
persecutors, whose companions exactly as he predicted? Surely no
were daily done to death in the man born of woman can do that.
most barbarous manner before his Yet the Holy Qur’an made all
eyes, could he himself forge and these prophecies in the circum-
then attribute to God, the stances indicated above and they
following verses embodying were literally fulfilled. Does it not
prophecies of the destruction of surely prove then that
his enemies and the ultimate Muhammad(saw) was the true
triumph of his cause? God has Messenger of God and the Qur’an
decreed that He and His apostles the true Word of God?
shall most certainly prevail.
Surely Allah is strong and Perhaps the greatest proof of the
Mighty.” (The Holy Qur’an truth of the Holy Qur’an is that it
Ch.58:V.22). “Do they say: ‘We was revealed at a time when the

34 The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Last Divine Message For Mankind

need of a divine revelation was gratification of their carnal


sorely felt. And God alone knows desires, knew no God, no Prophet
when a prophet should appear. It and no Law, worshipping idols
is sometimes said that the and images, sticks and stones.
condition of Arabia demanded the They were careless, sceptical and
appearance of a reformer and that materialistic. “Let us eat, drink
any other man could have done and be merry, for tomorrow we
what the Holy Prophet(saw) did. die.” is the epicurean tone of the
maiority of the pre-Islamic poems
But the appearance of the Holy of the Arabs. They had a reckless
Prophet(saw) at a time when a passion for wine, women and
reformer was needed proves all gambling. They committed
the more that he was a true adultery and theft, oppressed the
Messenger of God because God orphans and misappropriated
alone knows when a particular their properties, and indulged in
nation is ripe for change and murder, robbery and infanticide.
ready to change the destinies of
other nations. Only God knew Such were the Arabs to whom the
that the turn of Arabia had come first appeal of the Holy Qur’an
for the most complete, the most was made. What change the
sudden, and the most extra- teachings of the Holy Qur’an
ordinary revolution that had ever made and the result of their
come upon any nation on earth, education and training by the
and He raised the Holy Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw) is
Prophet(saw) and revealed to him well known to the student of
the Holy Qur’an in order that he Islamic history and has been
might bring about that revolution. acknowledged even by the most
At the time of the appearance of hostile critics of Islam. The
the Holy Prophet(saw) the whole of shackles of their ignorance were
Arabia was immersed in the broken and their hearts became
Cimmerian darkness of religious illuminated. Their vices were
ignorance, moral depravity and changed into virtues and their
spiritual turpitude. The Arabs wickedness into righteousness.
were wholly abandoned to the Their passion for wine and

The Review of Religions – May 2010 35


The Last Divine Message For Mankind

gambling was changed into open like a book, knew that with
passion for prayer and fasting. the improvement in the state of
Their nightly carousels were humanity, the needs and
abandoned in favour of vigils and requirements of mankind would
prayers, and their morning bouts undergo a corresponding
were changed to praise and improvement. He knew also what
thanksgiving. From the lowest kind of law would be required to
depths of moral and spiritual meet the ever-changing and ever-
degradation they were raised to progressing condition of man and
the highest pinnacles of spiritual He had the power and the
eminence. From wandering knowledge to reveal such a law
nomads and marauding bandits and indeed He has revealed that
they left their indelible print on law and that is the Holy Qur’an.
the civilisation of the world. From Nor is this an empty claim. The
the dregs and scum of society they experience of the last 1300 years
became the teachers and has proved its validity because it
educators of mankind. Surely is based on principles which are
such a marvellous change could in keeping with human nature.
not be effected save by a true
Messenger of God. Indeed, many Human nature is clearly outside
people in the same conditions the sphere of change. It is not
failed to accomplish what the amenable to the law of progress
Holy Prophet(saw) achieved. and is as permanent as man
himself. The social and inter-
But what above all gives the national law of Islam and its
Qur’an a universal and permanent moral teachings are as unerring a
character is its teaching. It is, as I guide today as they were 13
have proved, the true Word of centuries ago. The manner in
God. God has ordained it to be the which the Holy Qur’an leads the
guide of mankind for all ages and spiritual wayfarer to the Eternal
in all circumstances. Man, no City is as infallible as ever. The
doubt, is progressing and his claim of the Holy Qur’an, “If you
conditions change every day, but love Allah then follow me, Allah
God, to Whom the future lies will love you” (Ch.3:V.32) holds

36 The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Last Divine Message For Mankind

good today as much as it did alone can make no deep


when it was first made in the 7th impression on a man’s life. The
century of the Christian era. Let object of the Qur’anic teaching
not anyone think that the Qur’an on this belief is that man should
is responsible for the so regulate his life in conformity
backwardness of the Muslims in with the doctrine of the unity of
various spheres of life. They are God as to lead him to moral and
backward not because they act spiritual perfection.
upon the teachings of the Holy
Qur’an, but because they do not He should believe in God as one
follow it. When the Muslims had and alone in His person, and
made the Qur’an the rule of their above every rival or partner,
lives they were the most advanced whether it be an idol or a human
nation of the world. being, a heavenly body or one’s
own self – his resources, plans or
Having tried to prove the abiding means, and he should not regard
truth and authenticity of the anyone as Powerful against Him,
Qur’an, I will give very briefly nor consider anyone as the
the Qur’anic teachings on the two Sustainer, the Exalter, the Abaser,
fundamental doctrines of all the helper, or the Supporter
religions. against the Will of God. There are
three requirements for a complete
The Unity of God and the life adherence to the doctrine of unity.
after death may be regarded as the Firstly, a man must believe in the
two pillars on which the whole Unity of God, i.e., he must regard
fabric of religion stands, and it is everything as vain and of no
the duty of every religious book account in comparison with God.
which claims to be of divine
origin to deal exhaustively with Secondly, he must believe in
these two doctrines. The Holy Unity in the attributes of God and
Qur’an teaches us to believe in consider Divinity and Lordship
one God, but not in the sense that as the attributes of none besides
there is no ‘god’ beside Him, for God, looking upon all those who
the acceptance of this doctrine seem to have authority as having

The Review of Religions – May 2010 37


The Last Divine Message For Mankind

it from Him, Thirdly, there must result of the life we lead in this
be unity in the love, sincerity and world. The deeds done by man in
devotion which he bears to God; this life will appear in an
in other words, nothing else must embodied form in the next. The
share in his love and devotion Holy Qur’an says: “The deeds of
towards God, nor in any of the man remain attached to him and
other aspects of his adoration, are never separated from him.
and he must be completely lost in Although their efforts are hidden,
Him on the Day of Judgment we will
turn them, as it were, into the
With regard to the life after death, form of a book which may be read
the Holy Qur’an teaches us that by him.”
man’s life has a purpose higher
than and beyond that of mere The Christians claim the same
eating and drinking and leading a universality and permanence for
more or less confined existence in the teachings of the Gospels as
this world. Man has been the Muslims do for the teachings
vouchsafed eternal life and the of the Holy Qur’an, but the
avenues of eternal progress have Gospels of Jesus Christ(as) never
been thrown open to him. Hence lay claim to universality nor did
there must be a life after this God take upon Himself their pro-
limited and confined life to tection against corruption and
achieve that unending progress. interpolations to which they have
Islam teaches us that there is a life indeed unhappily already been
after death and that that life is the subjected. Jesus Christ(as) was not
continuation of the life we lead on a law giving prophet. “Think
earth. What we call death is only not,” he says, “that I am come to
the flight of the soul from the destroy, but to fulfil. For, verily I
body when it becomes unfit to say unto you, till heaven- and
march with it along the path of earth pass, one jot or one tittle
that eternal and unlimited shall in no wise pass from the law,
progress for which the soul has till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew
been created. The next life is a life 5:17-8). Jesus Christ(as) gave no
of unlimited progress, and is the law, hence his Gospels cannot be

38 The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Last Divine Message For Mankind

compared with the Holy Qur’an, their ways. It has been said in the
which is a complete code of Gospels that you should bless
social, moral and spiritual laws. them that curse you (Matthew
Jesus(as) gave a few moral precepts 5:44) but the Holy Qur’an forbids
intended for the Jews for the time you to bless or curse any one of
in which they were given. your own volition, but orders you
first to consult your heart (which
In support of this contention I is the habitation of the glorious
give below a few moral precepts manifestations of Divinity) as to
from the Gospels and with them the manner in which you should
corresponding precepts from the deal with a person and act accord-
Holy Qur’an, leaving it to readers ing to the guidance of the voice of
to judge for themselves which are God that speaks within you. If
more practical and practicable. you find that such a person is not
cursed in heaven, you must
It has been said in the Gospels sympathise with him, lest in
that you should love your cursing him you oppose the will
enemies (Matthew 5:44), but the of God. But if the dictates of your
Holy Qur’an bids you have no conscience lead you to the
enemies in obedience to your own conclusion that he is not
desires, and enjoins that your excusable, you should not bless
sympathy should extend to all. him, as no prophet of God has
Your enemies should be only such ever blessed Satan. But neither
as are the enemies of your God, must you be rash in cursing
your Prophet(saw) and the Word of anybody, for many suspicions are
God. Invite even these to the right false and many a curse rebounds
path and pray for them. You on to a man’s own head.
should bear no enmity to
individuals, but you should It has been said in the Gospels
express displeasure at their evil that when you pray, you should go
deeds. into your closet (Matthew 6:6),
but the Holy Qur’an says to you
Let all your efforts be to reclaim that you should not always pray in
these men and make them amend secret, but occasionally you must

The Review of Religions – May 2010 39


The Last Divine Message For Mankind

pray before men and in the you that you should not only
congregations of your brethren so suppress your own anger, but also
that when your prayer is accepted advise others to suppress their
it may increase their faith and anger and that you should not
your example may lead them to only be merciful yourselves, but
pray to God. should also advise your brethren
to show mercy to others.
The Gospels praise those who are
poor, meek and lowly, and those It has been said in the Gospels
who are persecuted and resist not that you should not drink to
the evil, but the Holy Qur’an says excess (Eph 5:18), but the Holy
to you that humility, meekness Qur’an forbids you to drink wine
and non-resistance of evil are, no at all, for if you do so you shall
doubt, commendable virtues, but not find the way of God, nor will
if displayed on the wrong He speak to you, nor purge your
occasion, they become evils. Your hearts of impurities.
good deeds, therefore, should be
marked by the propriety of the The above are a few examples of
occasion, for every virtue the moral precepts from the
degenerates into a vice if not teachings of the Holy Qur’an and
shown on the proper occasion. the Gospels and it requires no
great intelligence to find out
It has been said in the Gospels which of the two are more akin to
that you should not swear, i.e. reason and more practical and
take oaths in the name of God, at practicable.
all (Matthew 5:34), but the Holy
Qur’an prohibits you only from
vain taking of oaths, for in some
cases it is necessary to administer
an oath to bind a decision. It has
been said in the Gospels that you
should not be angry with your
brother without a cause (Matthew
5:22), but the Holy Qur’an says to

40 The Review of Religions – May 2010


Guide Posts
Bashir Ahmad Orchard served as Editor of the Review of Religions from 1984 to
1993. He produced a regular monthly feature in the magazine under the title of
‘Guide Posts’ in which he covered various topics on the subject of personal spiritual
development supported by quotations from the Holy Qur’an, the Hadith, religious
scriptures, poems and inspirational writings including those of the Promised
Messiah(as).

The Right Path worship involving every thought,


God’s purpose for man is that he word and deed. Islamic worship is a
should recognise Him and strive his spiritual way of life portraying
utmost to mould his life in righteous behaviour as expounded in
accordance with His ordinances. the Holy Qur’an and by the Prophet
This may be best achieved by Muhammad(saw). No doubt this holy
seeking guidance through prayer, ideal is not easy to attain. It is, in
finding the right path and adhering to fact, an endless progressive acqui-
it with the spirit of earnest devotion. sition allowing for constant
The spiritual wayfarer should improvement whatever may be the
endeavour to manifest in his person stage of development reached. The
the holy attributes of God and at the spiritual traveller is ever aware of his
same time pray regularly and weaknesses and shortcomings; but
fervently for divine help and all along the route he is conscious of
protection from going astray. God his progress as are those who know
says in the Holy Qur’an: and observe him. They notice
remarkable changes in his
I have not created the Jinn and demeanour. Fortunate and blessed
the men but that they may are those who advance along the path
worship Me. (Ch.51: v.57) of righteousness and walk with God
ever illuminated with the light of His
Worship of God is not confined only presence. His progress much
to offering formal prayers but covers depends on steadfastness and not
every aspect of personal conduct giving up the ill spiritual struggle
which should be performed for the when faced with obstacles of one
glory of God. This is practical kind and another. Many have

The Review of Religions – May 2010 41


Guide Posts

despaired and floundered in the ‘The perfection of steadfastness


murky waters of misfortunes and is that when one is encircled by
absence of spiritual stimulation and calamities and life and honour
experience. Such temporary phases and good name are all in peril in
are the lot of all spiritual wayfarers to the cause of Allah, and no means
a lesser or greater degree from time of comfort are available, so much
to time. They are testing times for so, that even visions and dreams
everyone. Times when one should and revelations are suspended by
hold on firmly to the rope of Allah God as a trial and one is left
and not despair or deviate. In the helpless among terrible dangers,
Holy Qur’an we read the prayer at such time one should not lose
heart, nor retreat like a coward
...Our Lord, pour upon us nor let one’s faithfulness be put
steadfastness and cause us to die in doubt in the heart.
resigned unto Thee. (Philosophy of the Teachings of
(Ch.7: V.127) Islam)

During the course of prescribed A firm believer looks upon all trials
prayers a Muslim implores God as blessings in disguise which he can
many times a day to guide and turn to good account with the help of
entrench him on the right path. He God. He sails through them as the
should not become negligent or ocean liner sails through the storm
despondent if at times his prayers proving its sea-worthiness. He is not
seem to go unanswered or his disheartened but remains steadfast in
religious enthusiasm seems to be faith remembering the words of God
reduced. He should persevere and in the Holy Qur’an:
sooner or later he will taste the fruit
of his consistency in faith. Even As for those who say, ‘Our Lord
those very close to God sometimes is Allah,’ and then remain
pass through periods when the steadfast, the angels descend on
enjoyment of prayer and the pleasure them, saying: ‘Fear ye not, nor
of divine experience lessons. On this grieve; and rejoice in the garden
matter Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam that you were promised. We are
Ahmad(as) the Promised Messiah and your friends in this life and in the
Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Hereafter. Therein you will have
movement in Islam has commented: all that your souls will desire,
and therein you will have all that

42 The Review of Religions – May 2010


Guide Posts

you will ask for – an never be satisfied with his present


entertainment from the Most spiritual condition. Elsewhere in the
Forgiving, the Merciful. Holy Qur’an God says on the subject
(Ch.41: vs.31-33) of righteousness:

Man is tried in devious ways for his ...Verily the most honourable
own good. They are means of growth amongst you in the sight of Allah
in spiritual stamina. All who would is he who is most righteous
advance on the right path must be among you...
prepared to face adverse circum- (Ch.49:V.14)
stances which with patience and
steadfastness, may be converted into ...The best provision is right-
spiritual gems. eousness... (Ch.2:V.198)

O ye men, worship your Lord


Object Of Fasting who created you and those who
God has revealed that the primary were before you, that you may
object of fasting in the manner become righteous.
prescribed by Islam is the acquisition (Ch.2:V.22)
of righteousness:
It is perfectly clear that the
O ye who believe! fasting is paramount aim in the life of a
prescribed for you as it was Muslim is to acquire the mantle of
prescribed for those before you, righteousness which again is
so that you may become emphasised in the Holy Qur’an:
righteous.
(Ch.2:V.184) The best and the most elegant
dress is the raiment of right-
This should be the foremost desire eousness – that is the best...
and aim of a Muslim. Through self- (Ch.7:V.27)
analysis he should always be aware
of his shortcomings and weaknesses; The holy month of Ramadhan is now
and at the same time he should be upon us and we should take full
ever anxious to overcome them and advantage of this wonderful oppor-
to make constant progress towards tunity to derive as much spiritual
his cherished goal – righteousness benefit from it as possible because
and self-purification. He should God has promised immense

The Review of Religions – May 2010 43


Guide Posts

heavenly blessings for those who commentary and explanation of a


observe the month with earnest portion of the Holy Qur’an daily.
devotion. How is fasting a means to Whether or not one is able to attend
enable one to become more these instructive sessions one
righteous? At the outset one should should at least make time to read
possess a strong desire to improve in and study the Holy Book in one’s
righteousness. If one is indifferent or own home or elsewhere. The Holy
not much concerned about this Qur’an is a revelation of Divine
matter then one is unlikely to truths and a cure for all spiritual ills.
undergo much of a spiritual change
for the better. Fasting itself does not Prayers
produce automatic holiness. One As a devout Muslim one should be
should be imbibed with the true regular and strict in the observance
spirit of fasting. The Holy of daily prayers every day of one’s
Prophet(sa) has said: life; but during Ramadhan one
should endeavour to pray with
‘He who abstains from food and greater fervour and pathos because
drink during the period of God has said that during this holy
fasting but does not strive to month He answers prayer more than
safeguard himself against moral ever. Special value has been placed
lapses, starves for no purpose.’ on Tahajjud prayers (voluntary pre-
(Bukhari) dawn prayers). At all times these
prayers are very efficacious
Some essential points which should especially during Ramadhan when
be kept in mind and observed while God rains down His blessings and
fasting now follow: succour profusely upon sincere and
devout supplicants.
The Holy Qur’an
While the reading of a portion of the Personal Conduct
Holy Qur’an should be our daily One should pay particular attention
practice, we are well advised to to one's personal behaviour
study it more diligently during the including one’s manner of talk. One
month of Ramadhan and so fill our should guard one’s tongue very
minds with its divine and holy carefully against quarrelling,
truths. Where there exists a backbiting, sarcasm, rudeness and,
congregation of the faithful they infact, every kind of unpleasant
usually get together to listen to a behaviour. One should strive to

44 The Review of Religions – May 2010


Guide Posts

adopt a pleasant and loving nature another, in good works.


and endeavour to be patient with (Ch.3:V.115)
everybody whatever may be their
mannerisms or defects; and resolve And slacken not in seeking these
that this attitude should become a people.
permanent feature of one’s character (Ch.4:V.105)
for ever after.
Charity is the noblest employment.
Charity It is righteousness in action.
During the month of Ramadhan one
is exhorted to be specially charitable Avoidance of Sin
towards others. While fasting one is Sin is the violation of a divine
able to realise and sympathise to a commandment of one kind or
greater extent with one’s less another and is usually caused by
fortunate brethren who suffer by the submitting to temptation. Fasting
millions from lack of sustenance strengthens one in self-control and
and even starvation. One is urged to self-restraint which one is able to
help them and, at the same time, one apply in resisting temptations when
feels grateful and proffers thanks to they arise. Fasting strengthens one's
God for the good fortune one. power of self-mastery which is a
enjoys. Charity means practical priceless weapon against the forces
kindliness which is not limited only of Satan along with, the efficacy of
to financial and material donations. prayer. Furthermore while fasting
It covers all kinds of good works for one is reminded how much more
the betterment of mankind. The important it is to avoid sin than it is
Holy Prophet Muhammad(sa) said: to avoid daily nourishment for a
period of time. Fasting is a potent
‘Every good work and every spiritual exercise for the develop-
kind deed is charity.’ ment of righteousness which is the
ultimate object of fasting.
A kind word, good deed, helping
hand, tenderness, sympathy,
cheerfulness, friendliness are all
practical demonstrations of charity.
God says in the Holy Qur’an:

...and hasten, vying with one

The Review of Religions – May 2010 45


The Evolution of Faith
by Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan(ra)

(Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan(ra) (1893-1985) was a Companion of


the Promised Messiah(as). He was the first Foreign Minister of
Pakistan and served at various times as President of the United
Nations General Assembly and President of the International Court
of Justice at the Hague. A prolific writer, he authored several books
and translated the Qur’an into English)

From The Review of Religions, April 1926

W e are at the threshold of an


era in which religion will
be less a matter of form and
lives but, under a common force
and impulse, the destinies of
nations. This has been the
ceremonial and a subscribing to experience of scattered nations
cut-and-dried propositions laid at different periods in the past
down by others than an history of the world, but we
individual experience and have now arrived at a stage at
realisation, a living, palpitating which it will become the
force moulding and shaping not common and contemporaneous
merely the course of individual experience of all mankind. The

The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Evolution of Faith

fact that there is a tacit rebellion also the unlimited activities of


at present against the forms, the human soul after it has
ceremonials and even the passed through the portals of
doctrines of religion does not in death.
itself appear to be a matter for
anxiety. What would, however, It, therefore, behoves every
be a matter for grave anxiety serious-minded person to face
would be an absence of and solve the problem of
questioning, criticism and religion for himself, and he
research, that is to say, an should not shirk the inevitable
attitude of entire indifference wrestling with that problem
towards religion. which is bound to arise in his
soul, either by divorcing himself
What is, therefore, necessary at altogether from religion or by
the present moment is not the the unquestioning acceptance of
discouragement of criticism and beliefs and doctrines handed
differences of opinion, but the down to him by others, whatever
stimulation of questioning and may be the degree of eminence
criticism so that each individual or piety these latter might have
may come to recognise and attained in matters spiritual. For
assign to matters of faith and an attitude of indifference or of
practice their true position in the un questioning acceptance of
scheme of his life and may what others have settled for us is
begin to realise that religion the highest disrespect we can
does not mean a dead weight of exhibit towards religion
formalities to which one must inasmuch as such an attitude
submit for the sake of social would argue that we do not
peace, but a living force in the consider it worth our while to
life of every one of us which pay any serious thought or
supplies the motive power for consideration to religion.
our actions. Religion governs
not merely life and death but It should not be understood that

The Review of Religions – May 2010 47


The Evolution of Faith

what has been described as that one believes in any set of


outward forms or ceremonies doctrines or propositions when
should form no part of religion. one’s inner self rejects or
Their true significance and the repudiates any of those
relation which they bear to the doctrines or propositions. As an
spiritual aspect of religion is in eminent English divine has at
itself a subject of peculiar one place remarked, every one
interest, but I shall here content of us must pass through a stage
myself by observing that some “when the impulse becomes
sort of outward and physical dominant to examine beliefs and
expression of all spiritual acts is either to justify or to abandon
necessary for the purpose of them.” An English writer of
spiritual training. Apart from fame has observed: “if you were
this, all outward acts are bound to question nine out of ten
to re-act upon the inner self. But grown men and women of today
no outward form should be as to their religious experience,
adhered to merely as an end in they would describe to you an
itself and without a full evolution through three stages
realisation of its true of discovery. First, the child’s
significance and import; for if acceptance of the dogmas
the meaning of these forms is handed over to it by its elders;
lost sight of, they cease to be of second, the adolescent’s
any use so far as a man’s reaction against that acceptance;
spiritual development is and third, the evolution of some
concerned. positive personal opinion born
of personal experience.” The
The first requisite for a study of only form of religion worth
religion is an attitude of absolute having is the form which
honesty with oneself; that is to emerges at the third stage of this
say, one must never attempt to evolution, after one’s early
deceive oneself with the beliefs have been thoroughly
comfortable but false assurance examined in the light of sub-

48 The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Evolution of Faith

sequent knowledge and individuals have expressed what


experience and have been either they have come to regard as
justified or abandoned, and the essential matters of belief. All
remnant enriched by additions those who find themselves in
made from one’s own mental such agreement with each other
workshop. The general result would be described as the
obtained by this process may be followers of the same religion.
capable of being expressed in a The inner conception of his
few broad propositions but the religion by each individual
details of it would be a matter would, however, like his inner
not merely of indivi dual conception of everything else,
conception but of individual still remain entirely different
realisation. The whole would from the conception of every
not be set in any rigid form, other individual. For instance,
incapable of modification or we all agree in describing our
alteration for all subsequent conceptions of the phenomena
time, but like a living organism, of light, colour, sound, etc., in
acting and reacting upon other certain general terms, but none
living organisms, it would grow of us can be sure that our own
constantly and enrich itself inner conception of any of these
through deeper knowledge and phenomena corresponds exactly
more varied experience which with that of any other
each individual is bound to individual. So far as outward
acquire during his passage expression is concerned we
through life. agree in using certain terms for
describing certain phenomena,
These broad propositions in but it is not within our power to
which an individual would ex- express and communicate to
press his general conceptions of each other in words the inner
belief would in many cases be in realisation of any of these
agreement with the general phenomena. For communal,
statements in which other national and inter-national

The Review of Religions – May 2010 49


The Evolution of Faith

purposes, however, this concord regarded as sacred and


in the outward expression of the consequently above all question
general essentials of one’s belief and criticism. The very
is sufficient. Too great suggestion appears to border on
insistence upon agreement in sacrilege. This timidity is again
matters in which no agreement the result of an entire mis-
in the nature of things is pos- conception of the true meaning
sible, is likely to lead to of religion. If religion means
irritation and friction. something outside of us to
which we have to bow and pay
It is a matter of common homage, it would indeed be an
experience that as the child act of sacrilege to attempt to
grows into the youth, and the examine its nature and to realise
youth into the man, his physical the significance of its various
faculties experience a corres- component parts. If, on the other
ponding growth. There is no hand, it is to be a living force
reason, therefore, to imagine within us, directing, controlling
why his spiritual faculties and regulating all our emotions,
should not continue to grow and thoughts and deeds, it behoves
expand, and consequently why us to carry out a thorough
his conception of faith and examination of this our moral
religion should not be a richer and spiritual power-house, to
and more generous conception see whether the various parts of
in each successive stage of his its machinery are in a sound
physical existence in this world. condition and are properly co-
ordinated to each other so as to
The next requisite for the study be able to function without fear
of religion is courage. It requires of wastage, obstruction or catas-
a great deal of initial courage to trophe of any kind.
put oneself in a questioning and
examining attitude towards Having made up our mind that
matters which one has always such an examination is neces-

50 The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Evolution of Faith

sary, we must set about it in a machine, take out the rotten


spirit of thoroughness. To carry parts, polish them, repair them,
on the simile alluded to above, and, wherever necessary,
we must examine and test for replace them with new ones.
ourselves all the major and This is not an easy process, but
minor parts of the machinery, it is a necessary one, if we desire
even the bolts and rivets which that the faith within us should be
hold the various parts together, a living faith and not a dead
and must satisfy ourselves that formula to be repeated on
we are properly fitted not only solemn occasions but having no
for the strain and stress of this more to do with our moral and
life but also for the fulfilling of spiritual well-being than a piece
that external purpose for which of stone lying by the side of a
man was created. Our road. Those things, therefore,
examination, if honestly and which we have been accustomed
thoroughly con-ducted, would at to regard as vital matters of faith
times cause consternation and must, if on examination they
dismay at the realisation that turn out to be but useless en-
certain vital parts of the cumbrances, be finally rejected
machinery which we had and discarded as forming no part
hitherto regarded as absolutely of the true faith which is
sound have been corroded and beginning by this time to grow
eaten through by rust, or that and germinate within us.
they have been so adjusted with
relation to the other parts that The next requisite is perse-
instead of serving to run the verance. Let not the apparent
machine smoothly, they are the ruin, to adopt a new simile, of
means of introducing friction, what we have so far imagined to
discord and obstruction. be the stately edifice of faith
confound us. For, whatever
We must, therefore, have there is of solid faith in it is
courage to dismantle the bound to survive, it is only the

The Review of Religions – May 2010 51


The Evolution of Faith

The next requisite for the study of religion


is courage. It requires a great deal of
initial courage to put oneself in a ques-
tioning and examining attitude towards
matters which one has always regarded as
sacred and consequently above all
question and criticism. The very
suggestion appears to border on sacrilege.
This timidity is again the result of an
entire misconception of the true meaning
of religion.

dust and ashes which have This brief and rather vague
assumed the appearance of stone outline of the process through
and mortar that must be washed which each of us must pass in
away. And when we look deeper order to solve for ourselves the
into our soul we are able to vital problem with which we are
discern already the broad sure, sooner or later, to be con-
foundations laid of a glorious fronted, is bound to give rise to
palace wherein we are provided misgivings and misconceptions,
with every species of comfort. and I must, therefore, before
Let us extract, therefore, proceeding further, make an
whatever there is of real worth attempt to remove some of the
in the old building and let it be more obvious of them.
used for the rearing of the new,
but we have to take care that the I have, so far, laid stress on the
material that we use in the necessity for each individual to
construction of the latter is examine and justify his beliefs;
sound and eternally durable, for to discard those that are un-
in this dwelling we will have to tenable and to adopt those that
reside unto eternity. have become necessary. How is

52 The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Evolution of Faith

this process to be carried out? must be present in every case


What are the materials to be and which must, therefore, be
employed in carrying it out? kept in view in order to help
What are the tests that shall oneself to arrive at a correct
determine that which must be solution. In every case the
retained and that which must be enquiry is bound to commence
discarded? Should our own in some such form as this: What
reason be the sole guide in such is the object of this existence?
matters, or should we seek Have I been sent into this life or
external help of any kind? And is my presence here a mere
if external help is to be sought, accident? If I have been sent, if I
then shall we not again start do not merely happen to live but
with the notions conceived by have been brought into life, who
others of what ought to be and or what has sent me here, and
what ought not to be, which is for what purpose? If I have been
exactly the evil we set out to sent here for a purpose, as part
avoid? of a plan or design, how can I
discover that purpose, plan or
It would be idle to pretend that design? Can I get into any kind
the answers to these queries of commu-nication with the
could be stated in the form of Being Who has sent me here?
definite instructions and
formula: such as would be To answer this last query it
useful for the solution of a would be necessary to discover
mathe-matical problem. The the nature and attributes of that
problem is bound to present Being. So that the first stage of
itself in a different shape to each the enquiry would be concerned
individual and must be solved with the determination of the
by each in the light of the question as to the Existence,
materials available to him. Nature and Attributes of God;
There are, however, certain the relation which exists
general considerations which between man and his Maker, and

The Review of Religions – May 2010 53


The Evolution of Faith

“Once the seeker has come to believe in the


existence of Beneficent Creator, Who has sent
man into this life for a definite purpose, there
can be no escape from the conclusion that the
purpose of man’s existence and the means of
fulfilling it must have been explained by Him
in His own way...”

the object which God has else’s. For if this is not so, the
appointed for man on earth; this whole enquiry will be futile. If I
would include the possibility am to surrender my judgement
and nature of Revelation and to another, then the conclusion
Prophethood. For this purpose at which I have arrived is
one would rely upon the evi- somebody else’s faith and not
dence of one’s own senses, that mine. It cannot provide me with
is to say, one’s own observation any motive power, it cannot
of the Universe, one’s personal prompt or check the workings of
experiences, and the innate con- my mind, the operations of my
sciousness planted in each will, and consequently cannot
individual self, also on the have the slightest effect upon
evidence furnished by the my actions.
reliable experiences of others,
whether recorded or related The next stage of the enquiry
orally, the teachings of will be for a man to realise, as
scriptures and the guidance far as it is possible for him to do,
afforded by living preceptors. his own nature; that is to say, the
All this, however, would merely nature of his soul, the relation of
con-stitute the materials, the the body to the soul, how they
data, on which our judgement is act and react upon each other
to be based, but the judgement and how the functions of the one
must be ours and not somebody must be co-ordinated to the

54 The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Evolution of Faith

functions of the other; how the stages of the enquiry certain


mind is related to the soul and truths would begin to be so
the body, the relation between plainly visible, that one would
mind and will, and between be able to chalk out a general
these two and action. Upon the plan which could be safely
determination of these questions followed while one’s knowledge
would, to a large extent, depend of details was being amplified
a man’s conception of good and with the help of the fuller light
evil, and consequently the regu- which is bound to be vouchsafed
lation of his thoughts and deeds. in daily increasing volume to the
earnest seeker and enquirer. For,
This bare outline of the scope of while the true seeker is
the enquiry must give birth to a enquiring and seeking in the
grave anxiety. Is the average dark, he will suddenly find that
space of human existence long the darkness is beginning to lift
enough to permit of such an and light begins to penetrate the
enquiry being undertaken and gloom from the direction in
completed? Even if it is, must a which he is seeking to advance.
man’s moral and spiritual This is the Light of Revelation.
existence remain, as it were, in
abeyance till the enquiry is Once the seeker has come to
completed? The answer to these believe in the existence of
questions is that although the Beneficent Creator, Who has
enquiry indicated above sent man into this life for a
embraces almost every aspect of definite purpose, there can be no
human existence, it will not in escape from the conclusion that
practice be found necessary to the purpose of man’s existence
deliver judgement, as it were, on and the means of fulfilling it
every issue involved in the must have been explained by
enquiry before a man would be Him in His own way, inasmuch
able to start an earnest religious as such an explanation alone
life. During the very initial could he perfect, and in the

The Review of Religions – May 2010 55


The Evolution of Faith

“This is the faith which is based on certainty and


realisation, which one believes not merely because it is
convenient to believe in certain things or because
others have believed or continue to believe in them,
but because in itself it has attained to the fullest
realisation of that which must otherwise have
remained matter of theory.”

absence of such an explanation selected to be the bearer of this


man, in spite of honest and explanation to mankind, and in
diligent efforts to solve the the lives of those who were its
mystery of existence, would at immediate recipients from him
best attain to but a dim and and who had the perfect ideal of
imperfect perception of the his life before them. If, however,
reality. owing to the vastly altered
circumstances and conditions of
This, however, merely argues human existence in a subsequent
that there ought to be such an age difficulties were
explanation; it would remain to experienced in carrying out the
discover whether such an directions and precepts
explanation exists. If it does, contained in the revealed Code,
and if one is able to demonstrate doubts would again arise as to
its Divine origin to oneself, the its suitability and consequently
remainder of our enquiry would as to its Divine origin, at least so
be occupied with discovering far as its claim to serve as a
the true meaning of this guide for all succeeding
explanation. generations were concerned.
There would be a misgiving
The best illustration of such that, whatever its origin, it could
meaning would be found in the not have been meant as a guide
life of the person who was for mankind for all time. The

56 The Review of Religions – May 2010


The Evolution of Faith

need would then be felt either of purpose of equipping himself


a fresh Code or of a living ideal for the perfect realisation of the
in whose life the true meaning life to come. This is the faith
of the existing Code may be which is based on certainty and
illustrated. In the absence of realisation, which one believes
such an ideal, faith in the not merely because it is
existing Code would again be a convenient to believe in certain
matter of theory and not such things or because others have
faith as forms the fountainhead believed or continue to believe
of man’s thoughts and actions. in them, but because in itself it
has attained to the fullest
Even after one has arrived at realisation of that which must
that stage, the enquiry would otherwise have remained matter
continue. Only now it would be of theory. Where such faith
directed towards working out exists, the whole life of an
details and adjusting one’s individual is regulated by that
thoughts and actions in practice faith, and in the absence of such
to one’s beliefs. And here the faith, man is but at the mercy of
supreme value of faith would every wind that blows and his
manifest itself. As each contin- actions are the result of
gency presents itself in one’s haphazard impulse. We must,
life, whether it relates to the therefore, strive to attain to this
sphere of beliefs or of actions, certainty of faith which can be
one would be able to face and achieved only through
solve it in a spirit of perfect realisation.
assurance, an assurance which
no amount of sophistry could
shake. Equipped with such faith,
man would be able to face life
with confidence in himself and
trust in the Supreme Being Who
has sent him into this life for the

The Review of Religions – May 2010 57


IN BRIEF:

The Golden Temple


By Fauzia Bajwa, Canada
In Brief: The Golden Temple

The Golden Temple, also known as 1803 Amritsar was included in the
Harmandir Sahib and God’s Temple, dominion of the Sikh king, Maharaja
is located in the northern Punjab city Ranjit Singh and under his rule the
of Amritsar, India. It is an important temple was redesigned and rebuilt
place of worship and pilgrimage for giving it its present day look. It was
members of the Sikh faith. It made into an intricate marble
remains open to visitors and structure with a gilt roof and upper
pilgrims alike 24 hours a day, all storey.
year round. The temple houses the
sacred scripture of the Sikhs, the Architecture
Guru Granth Sahib. The Golden Temple is named so
because of its gilt roof and upper
History and Significance storey. What is striking about the
Guru Baba Nanak (1469-1539), architecture is the way it appears to
founder of Sikhism, used to retreat sit on a pool of water; the entire
to the Amritsar area for prayers and building, including its gold
meditation. He sought the peace and shimmering roof, is reflected in the
seclusion of the small forest lake Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar).
here. After his demise his disciples
continued to frequent the site and An underground spring feeds this
over time it became an important man-made lake and pilgrims
shrine. The fourth Guru, Sri Ram immerse themselves in the pool as a
Das Ji, purchased the surrounding symbolic cleansing of the soul. The
lands, and in 1577 he began work on Pool of Nectar is in turn surrounded
the construction of a personal by a number of majestic domed-roof
residence and a man-made lake, the buildings which form part of the
Amrit Sarovar, on which the Golden temple complex.
Temple sits. The town flourished
and in January 1588 a Muslim saint, The temple is a two storey square
Sain Mian Mir, laid the foundation marble structure. The upper walls
stone of the Golden Temple. The and the roof are covered with gold-
fifth master of the Sikhs, Sri Guru leafed copper sheets. The roof is
Arjan Dev Ji, initiated its con- domed with minarets in all four
struction that took thirteen years. corners – a Muslim influence. The
four doors of the temple symbolise
Originally it was a mud structure. In its openness to people from all

The Review of Religions – May 2010 59


In Brief: The Golden Temple

corners of the earth: north, south, mirrored ceiling and mirrored walls
east and west. and a square opening in the floor
that looks down onto the lower level.
To enter the sanctuary one has to
walk through the arched Darshani Outer Buildings and Activities
Darwaza onto a walkway over the The Nectar Pool is surrounded by a
Pool of Nectar. The other end of the number of edifices one of which is a
walkway ends at the north door of community kitchen (langar). The
the temple. langar is a tradition started by Guru
Nanak himself and one which
The temple houses the Adi Granth continues today. Food is served there
(the first book), which is a free of charge, 24 hours a day to
compilation of Sikh scriptures in the anyone who requests it. Niwas, or
Gurmukhi script (Gurmukhi is an inns take up a significant portion of
archaic version of the Punjabi the complex. These are lodgings;
language). The Adi Granth is also some free of charge, others levy a
known as the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. fee for people requiring temporary
On its 1430 pages are various accommodation. A Sikh museum
devotional hymns describing God’s and Sikh library form part of the
attributes. In October 1708 Guru compound.
Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh master,
declared the text to be his successor The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is recited
thereby terminating the human line at a minimum of 35 different places
of Sikh Gurus and investing the text in the complex. Each reading takes
as the eleventh and final Guru. In 48 hours and is carried out by a
fact, the Guru Granth Sahib is number of people in a series of
considered a ‘juristic person’ by the shifts. At night the Guru Granth
Supreme Court of India. Sikhs Sahib is housed in the Akal Takht
believe that it contains guidance on (Divine Throne) that is directly
all moral and religious questions for opposite the main gate to the temple.
all times to come. The Akal Takht is also traditionally
the place for assembly and from
The Guru Granth Sahib is placed on where edicts and guidance are
the ground floor of the temple issued.
underneath a jewel-studded canopy.
The upper storey of the temple has a

60 The Review of Religions – May 2010


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
 is also love to him. I believe this
As a practising Catholic with a Parable also occurs in Islam but
Degree in Religious Studies I God is the Judge. In Luke 23:24
would like to draw your attention Jesus prays for the forgiveness of
to the morally obnoxious belief the Jews and Romans who have
held by Conservative Evangelicals brought about his crucifixion
that unless an individual has a because they acted out of
personal relationship to Jesus ignorance. This statement was so
Christ he or she is eternally radical most manuscripts of
damned. According to them the Luke’s gospel excluded it. God is
Compassionate Buddha and clearly merciful to those who
Compassionate Muhammad, both make mistakes in following their
of whom I love, are now consciences. I love Jesus but the
undergoing eternal torment. Conservative Evangelicals make
Muslims butchered by the Serbs, him a cruel tyrant who desires
Buddhists butchered by the Khmer eternal vengeance. I know you do
Rouge, non-Christian victims of not believe all non-Muslims are
genocide in Africa and Jews damned.
slaughtered by the Nazis are to the
Conservative Evangelical now Peace and Love
enduring considerably more
suffering. Hitler creates concen- Andrew Harvey
tration camps for the Jews but the Carlisle, UK
evangelical God is worse for He
punishes them with eternal
suffering. The Parable of the 
Sheep and the Goats, Matthew It is sad that government of
25:31-46, reveals all who have Malaysia banned catholic
shown compassion to those in Christians to use the word
need are judged worthy of ALLAH in their media and
salvation by the Son of man for it worship. It is an opportunity for

The Review of Religions – May 2010


Letters to the Editor

Muslims to show to the Christians 


that their Bible preaches oneness There are modern precedents to
of God called Jehovah or Elloi the use of the word “Allah” in non-
which means ALLAH. Chapter Islamic literature/ publications,
112 of the Holy Qur’an teaches e.g. in the Christian Arab world, as
that Allah is only One God and He in Egypt etc; also I believe the
begets not, nor is He begotten; and Bible in Arabic uses “Allah” for
there is none like unto Him. God!

Muhammad Latilo Ahad Bhunnoo


London, UK

Letters to the Editor can be sent by email to:


info@reviewofreligions.org
By post to:
The Editor, The Review of Religions, 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL,
UK.
Or through the Contact Us form at:
www.reviewofreligions.org/contact-us/

LoveForAll
www.

HatredForNone. org

62 The Review of Religions – May 2010


Calendar of Religious Events & Festivals
(May 2010)

Day Event Significance


Sikhs celebrate the birthday of the fifth
Birthday of Guru Arjan
Sun 2 of the Sikh Gurus, who lived from 1563
Dev (Sikh)
to 1606.

Christians believe that Jesus(as) ascended


Thur Ascension Day
to heaven, and celebrate his reported last
13 (Christian)
sighting on earth.

Also known as the Festival of Weeks,


Wed. First day of Shavuot Jews leave work and celebrate the time
19 (Jewish) when the first harvest was taken to the
Temple.

Christians believe that the Holy Spirit


descended on the disciples on this day –
Sun celebrated on the seventh Sunday after
Pentecost (Christian)
23 Easter (after 40 days, the spirit departs
from the body – a common religious
belief).

Sikhs celebrate birthday of the third of


Sun Birthday of Guru Amar
the Sikh Gurus, who lived between
23 Das (Sikh)
1479-1574.

Thur Wesak/Buddha Day Celebrating Gautam Buddha’s birthday,


27 (Buddhist) most important festival for Buddhists.

Honouring saints of the Christian


Sun. All Saints Day (Orthodox
Church. Other churches celebrate All
30 Christian)
Saints Day on 1st November.

The Review of Religions – May 2010


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